FAMU to Hire New Director for Suspended Band

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida A&M University is hiring a new director for its famed band, even though The Marching 100 remains sidelined.

FAMU interim president Larry Robinson is expected on Tuesday to name a successor to former band director Julian White.

FAMU initially fired White shortly after the November 2011 hazing-related death of drum major Robert Champion. But his dismissal was put on hold at the urging of law-enforcement officials investigating Champion's death. White announced his retirement in May 2012.

Four people last year interviewed for the band director job, including current band directors at a North Carolina college and a Florida high school. Three of the finalists had attended FAMU.

The Marching 100 has been suspended since Champion's death and there is no scheduled date yet for its return.